http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/printDS/121526

Published: 03.24.2006

25 under indictment in Cleveland as Ariz.-based entrant smugglers
By Joe Milicia
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
Twenty-five members of an Arizona-based smuggling ring that made millions of dollars bringing people into the United States from Mexico were indicted this week in Cleveland, authorities reported.
Federal prosecutors said the group would transport illegal entrants from the border in Arizona to Ohio and other states for $1,800 to $2,000.
U.S. Attorney Gregory White identified Manuel Valdez-Gomez, who owns an auto sales and repair business in Phoenix, as the ring's leader.
Valdez-Gomez, 55, was in federal custody Thursday along with 15 other defendants. They face five to seven years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors say the ring had been in operation since 1997, smuggling entrants from Mexico to Nogales, Ariz., and then to Phoenix.
The ring provided false documents to the entrants and moved them from Phoenix to a network of safe houses, prosecutors allege.
Drivers would transport up to 14 entrants on each trip with final destinations in Ohio, California, Florida, Nevada, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana, authorities said. The illegal immigrants would usually be met by friends and family who would pay the drivers a smuggling fee, prosecutors contend.
The 23-count indictment includes charges of conspiracy to smuggle aliens, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and document fraud.
Prosecutors say Valdez-Gomez was assisted by relatives in the smuggling organization, including his wife and daughter, who were both indicted and were in federal custody.